Located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, Nainital is one of the most beautiful hill stations in Northern India. The stunning Nainital lake is bang in the middle of the city and offers tourists stunning sunsets and enchanting sunrises.
One legend says that Nainital derives its name from the Goddess Naina, whereas another legend claims that once when the Goddess Sati was being carried by Lord Shiva, her eye fell in the area.
The lovely hill station promises a rejuvenating weekend break for those who are coming from the capital city and is definitely worth a visit. Like most hill stations, Nainital has a bustling mall road, warm cafes and a very busy Tibet market. The mall road houses shops selling candles with intricate designs, wooden knick knacks and colourful woollens. Do bring back some souvenirs as keepsakes!
If you have time, do visit Sattal, Naukuchiatal (for paragliding and kayaking) as well as Ranikhet for its surreal beauty. If you are looking for a quiet, carefree holiday, visit between the months of January and April. It'll be cold, but there won't be any crowd.Read More

Located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, Nainital is one of the most beautiful hill stations in Northern India. The stunning Nainital lake is bang in the middle of the city and offers tourists stunning sunsets and enchanting sunrises.
One legend says that Nainital derives its name from the Goddess Naina, whereas another legend claims that once when the Goddess Sati was being carried by Lord Shiva, her eye fell in the area.
The lovely hill station promises a rejuvenating weekend break for those who are coming from the capital city and is definitely worth a visit. Like most hill stations, Nainital has a bustling mall road, warm cafes and a very busy Tibet market. The mall road houses shops selling candles with intricate designs, wooden knick knacks and colourful woollens. Do bring back some souvenirs as keepsakes!
If you have time, do visit Sattal, Naukuchiatal (for paragliding and kayaking) as well as Ranikhet for its surreal beauty. If you are looking for a quiet, carefree holiday, visit between the months of January and April. It'll be cold, but there won't be any crowd.

NAINITAL - UttrakhandNaital is a beautiful natural place. Bit commercialized though. But outskirts has a beauty to offer. One good memory is of this picture, where growth of Tree (leafless, few leaves and full tree), could be shown in presence of Sun.

The Two Chimneys property in Nainital is the stuff dreams are made of. It is designed and built from Deodar wood from the jungles that surround the tranquil property. This luxurious yet rustic hideout has every facility of a high-end resort, but this gem hides in plain sight. From a gaming area to your private pool, this Himalayan cottage is ideal for an escape from the city. The old villa is situated in the quaint village of Gethiya, only 16 km from Nainital and has a very well connected public service route.

4. Nainital -It may be better known as a honeymoon destination, but you could always take a solo trip here. Nainital definitely ranks high among the destinations for weekend breaks from Delhi. Bountiful nature and beautiful sceneries make this place great for rest and relaxation. A large number of tourists from across the country visit the hill station throughout the year. If you want to rekindle your romance with your spouse, this is the perfect destination. The pleasant locale unforgettable scenery is what truly makes this place standout. A visit to Lake Paradise should also be on your itinerary.

2. The magnificent views of NainitalNainital in Uttarakhand ranks high on the list of best hill stations in India, if simply for its natural setting amidst a valley containing a pear-shaped lake and magnificent views from surrounding mountain peaks. Nainital lies in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand and surrounds the famous Nani Lake.

Nainital Fun - Day 3We started back to Bhimtal through Almora now. On the way stopped by a river (check out some pics) and took some great memorable shots of this trip. We picked our car from Bhimtal and drove back to Nainital. We enjoyed our evening boating, shopping and eating lots of street food. We had a hard time finding booking at a decent hotel in Nainital, but we managed it with Mountain Club owner's hotel at almost the outskirts of Nainital. The hotel is called Alpine Club Resort run by a female manager who turned out to be quite unfriendly. Pathetic food and even more pathetic room service. Not recommended for stay anytime. We left the hotel in the morning and headed back to Nainital. We had 3 hours for some more adventure before we headed back to Gurgaon. We wanted to do cable car but we would have ended up late for our journey back so instead we opted for cab ride for Himalaya Darshan. That’s because people advised us that Nainital gives a farther but wider view of Himalayas. Moral of this cab ride was Don’t trust them, because either they are just marketing Nainital or have never been to Kausani. They charged us 600 bucks for the to and fro ride which was lasted a total of 30 mins including our stay the sight seeing point. Waste of money and time.

Nainital – Worship Discipline Nainital is surrounded by a number of lakes naming it as the city of lakes. It is a fairy tail panoramic town where water is both backdrop and director.The locals here taught me the discipline of giving respect to nature. It is one of the most crowded hill stations during its peak season and much commercialization. However, it is a pride for its locals. They take total ownership of it by maintaining the discipline to keep it clean and respecting it as nature’s gift.

Situated in the serene valleys of Uttarakhand, Nainital is truly the definition of dreamland on earth. Inhabited by local kumaoni people known for their warm nature and friendly smiles, the small town of Nainital is both an incredibly safe and incredibly fun place to explore all by yourself.
Things to do: Snow View, Tiffin Top, China Peak, Bhimtal, Naukuchiyatal, Saattal, Lover’s Point, Himalaya Darshan, Ropeway (Cable Car), Nanda Devi Temple, Jama Masjid, Pangot, Corbett National Park

Nainital6. Sakley's - The Mountain CafeTrue to its name, the “Mountain Cafe” is everything you would imagine a cozy cafe in the hills to be. Its legacy dates way back and the place is almost always full. They serve everything from continental, Italian to Indian food. Even if you don't dine here, you just can't miss their legendary desserts.

Well, I have been to many places, most of them includes Himachal and Uttrakhand region, but when it comes to only a weekend trip, I prefer to go to Nainital.<br />The city of lakes has its own charm and soothing environment, where one can take rest in the arms of peace. Well, you must be aware about various places already which you can explore in nainital, but the place I am going to tell you is completely a hidden gem.<br />Allu khet a place situated at a distance of 4 k.m from nainital bus stand. It's a beautiful track and you don't have to climb anywhere because most of the track is plain. You will pass through a dense forest which even does not allow sun light to pass through it, make sure a leopard is not following you(kidding) but yes at this place there are high chances that you can have a glimpse of wild life.<br />At the end of the track there is a temple and just above the temple,one can have one of the most beautiful view of his/her life, a bottle or a cup of coffee would be a great partner.<br />Enjoy friends :)

Best time to visit - January,February,March,April,May,June,October,November,December

Mukteshwar is a hill station in Uttarakhand that is popular for its wide assortment of adventure sports such as rock climbing and rappelling. Overlooking the peaks of Nanda Devi, Mukteshwar is also a celebrated scenic spot that is perfect for long walks and some quiet time in the closeness of nature.
The Mukteshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a revered shrine of the region. Located near this temple is the Chauthi Jaali, which is a picturesque precipice of lattice rocks. These rocks present an enchanting view of the green grasslands down below. The Mukteshwar Inspection Bungalow, which is located near the temple, offers a perfect place to relax and unwind while enjoying the scenery around. The charming landscape of the Sitla Estate here is beautiful and offers seasonal fruits such as apples, peaches and plums.
Mukteshwar has limited options in terms of food, but most places offer both North Indian and Kumaoni cuisine. Popular eateries include the Nirvana Organic Kitchen and The Hideout Crimson Hills. Government tourist hotels and PWD circuit houses provide accommodation facilities.Read More

Mukteshwar is a hill station in Uttarakhand that is popular for its wide assortment of adventure sports such as rock climbing and rappelling. Overlooking the peaks of Nanda Devi, Mukteshwar is also a celebrated scenic spot that is perfect for long walks and some quiet time in the closeness of nature.
The Mukteshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a revered shrine of the region. Located near this temple is the Chauthi Jaali, which is a picturesque precipice of lattice rocks. These rocks present an enchanting view of the green grasslands down below. The Mukteshwar Inspection Bungalow, which is located near the temple, offers a perfect place to relax and unwind while enjoying the scenery around. The charming landscape of the Sitla Estate here is beautiful and offers seasonal fruits such as apples, peaches and plums.
Mukteshwar has limited options in terms of food, but most places offer both North Indian and Kumaoni cuisine. Popular eateries include the Nirvana Organic Kitchen and The Hideout Crimson Hills. Government tourist hotels and PWD circuit houses provide accommodation facilities.

MUKTESHWAR - UttrakhandMukteshwar is a Hill station, above Nainital region. The place where I have overcome my fear for heights. Have clicked myself at this spot.

Ramgarh lies in the proximity to some very popular hill stations like Nainital, Bhimtal, Mukteshwar, Naukuchiatal within a mile radius of 35 kms.We began our day early in the morning with a leisurely walk amid the nature and watched the sky change its color with the sunrise. The magical spell castes during the sunrise and sunset adds more charm to the place. We got back to the hotel for a warm breakfast and some rest. Later in the day, we headed to the famous orchards of the area. I suggest you to carry your own food as there might not be many options on the way. Next stop was Nathuakhan, a small hamlet where we wandered and wandered in the wilderness. We also visited Mukteshwar Dham, 350-year-old temple to Shiva in Mukteshwar.

Mukteshwar, UttarakhandThere’s no place better than Mukteshwar if it is a distant yet compelling view of the Himalayas that you seek. Climb up to the highest point and you’ll be surrounded by the Garhwals, and the Himalayas will stare at you from a distance. And if you happen to catch the sunset – oh! Get away from the city and find some peace. And it is best when you are surrounded by deodar forests.

Dont miss the main attraction, Muktheswar Lord Shiva Temple. Highest point from where you can have glimpse of Himalayas beneath all those green and blue hills, layer by layer like a painting..If you are lucky you will be blessed with snow fall even in summer...

This is a place where nature is at its best. Splendid countryside, beautiful valleys, amazing people, great views of the snow capped peaks, and not to forget the landmark for which the place is famous for, the Mukteshwar Dham. Located at the highest point of the town, it is a place which provides one of the best spiritual experience. The entire area is known as tapovan and its one of the most peaceful place I have been to. A small trek around the town provides a great experience. Then do not forget to capture the sunset from the Dakbunglow gardens. Overall an heavenly experience. A great getaway from the crowded tourist destinations. Very calm, peaceful, spiritual and pure.

After breakfast we will start cycling up to Mukteshwar. It is a gradual uphill ride through pine trees that opens up to very picturesque landscapes. Mukteshwar gets its name from a 350-year-old temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Best time to visit - January,February,March,April,August,September,October,November,December

A quick getaway destination for Delhi-NCR residents, Mussoorie or the 'Queen of Hills' is the most favoured place for anyone battling urban heat.
It remains quite crowded from May to July, as popular hotels and hangouts such as Mall Road, Mussoorie Lake, Kempty Falls and Gun Hill remain pervaded with tourists no matter where or what you may set your eyes upon. But if you carry the spirit of an explorer within you, Mussoorie can surprise you in many ways.
For instance, if you curious to check out where the man who Mt. Everest is named after, once lived, you can reach the house and laboratory through a picturesque 4 km walk from Library Bazaar or Gandhi Chowk. Ditch the customary visit to Kempty Falls and take an uplifting trek to the quiet, serene and crystal clear Jharipani Falls instead. Mussoorie, when mist free, provides frame-worthy views of the Himalayan ranges, which can be enjoyed at points such as Lal Tibba, Nag Tibba and Camel Back Road, all of which need to be trekked or walked to, with the effort being worthwhile.
Devalsari, a village quietly burrowed 55 km away from Mussoorie, is the gateway to the Nag Tibba trek and a location perfect for seeing beautiful butterflies and birds in the heart of nature. For those curious to delve into Himalayan life, history, art, culture and spirituality, Soham Heritage and Art Centre gives exquisite displays of the former, through various artefacts. As for foodies, restaurants such as Neelam, Imperial Square, Meeting Point Cafe and Casa Mia bakery do justice to North Indian, European and Tibetan cuisines and also offer delicious cafe knick knacks and drinks. Read More

A quick getaway destination for Delhi-NCR residents, Mussoorie or the 'Queen of Hills' is the most favoured place for anyone battling urban heat.
It remains quite crowded from May to July, as popular hotels and hangouts such as Mall Road, Mussoorie Lake, Kempty Falls and Gun Hill remain pervaded with tourists no matter where or what you may set your eyes upon. But if you carry the spirit of an explorer within you, Mussoorie can surprise you in many ways.
For instance, if you curious to check out where the man who Mt. Everest is named after, once lived, you can reach the house and laboratory through a picturesque 4 km walk from Library Bazaar or Gandhi Chowk. Ditch the customary visit to Kempty Falls and take an uplifting trek to the quiet, serene and crystal clear Jharipani Falls instead. Mussoorie, when mist free, provides frame-worthy views of the Himalayan ranges, which can be enjoyed at points such as Lal Tibba, Nag Tibba and Camel Back Road, all of which need to be trekked or walked to, with the effort being worthwhile.
Devalsari, a village quietly burrowed 55 km away from Mussoorie, is the gateway to the Nag Tibba trek and a location perfect for seeing beautiful butterflies and birds in the heart of nature. For those curious to delve into Himalayan life, history, art, culture and spirituality, Soham Heritage and Art Centre gives exquisite displays of the former, through various artefacts. As for foodies, restaurants such as Neelam, Imperial Square, Meeting Point Cafe and Casa Mia bakery do justice to North Indian, European and Tibetan cuisines and also offer delicious cafe knick knacks and drinks.

After bungee we all were discussing about the jump where I met these two guys - Adarsh and Ketan. That day only Prakshaya was leaving, so I made a plan with them to go on a day tour to Mussoorie. We exchanged our number and planned a place to meet in morning. After that I went to look for a place to stay. I spotted a decent looking hotel and went in to ask price. The manager was an old man and asked for Rs 800 a night, but as I was alone I gave my 'student hoon uncle' wala funda and managed to get the room for Rs 250. Yeah that's correct :D 250 !! That too with a cozy double bed, room service, hot water, TV n all :D I read my novel for a while, went all over again the day in my head and went to sleep.Now, we booked Indica with an awesome driver for a day for Rs 3500, which included roaming around Mussoorie, Dhanaulti, Kanatal, Dehradoon and back to Tapovan.

On this independence day, Standing on the terrace I was bit high ;) People were flying kites. They were more interested in cutting other’s kites rather than enjoying their own flight. With the sun setting down, the sky was painted in orange colour, The birds flying back to their homes. I stood amazed by the marvelous of the Qutub Minar , surrounded by the green patch of land. Each minute a flight descends as its belly touches the tip of qutub minar in the long distance. The winds were gushing all over. I was standing on the edge of the cliff. I wanted to FLY . One ,two and three, I jumped off the platform. It took me three seconds to realize that I wasn’t flying but falling rapidly. Didn’t know when that 83 mts is going to end. STOP. Let’s go a week behind. 7 panick attacks in 5 days. With enough disappointments and frustrations I had a huge spat with my best friend. I started my bike at 0300 hrs. Being tired to failing to reach every pre fixed destinations of life, I chose to travel now with no destination. I wore my army combat pants and boots which eliminated the last thoughts. I hit the highways, the roads were empty, the sun played hide and seek with the clouds. Though I ve heard all songs in my playlist, I understood it for the first time. I reached a family friends place in Dehradun for lunch. Uncle and my dad served together 12 years back in Delhi. Me and his two kids ,now as adults reminisced the little fun we had during childhood , testing each others memory. The next day I planned to visit mussoorie and stay for the night. Since I don’t like crowded place, I took a diversion to bhatta falls. A classy 5 step water falls. The minimal population made it a perfect place to enjoy certain solitude. I trekked along the waters to sit on a stone n the middle of the river. It was bit sunny and I rose to leave. Reached the view points of mussoorie and recced through the mall roads. It was yet 1500 hrs. I decided to ride further more to escape the crowd. As I started a sign borad pops up- Dhanaulti ( 36 kms). As I reached Dhanaulti, the temperature dropped to around 12 degree celcius. All I had as a sweat shirt and every time the wind blew , cold crawled through my face. A nice room for 500 bucks. I had two cups of chai and sat in the corridor facing the step civilization. Few bunches of houses here and there inbetween the valley. I ate half kilos of chicken all by myself and squirmed into the cozy blankets. I switched on the Tv to watch ABD smash all balls over the boundary. He was then playing for RCB. I woke up as the morning sun warmed up the air. The owner said, I should visit tehri dam before leaving

It was my second week of course work classes at college and I was already frustrated with daily formalities and boring lectures. I prepared a mental plan to visit Mussoorie with few of my seniors or friends. Mind you such mental plans I keep on making almost once or twice of every month. So, finally Friday evening arrived and I thought knowing the busy schedule of other people that why not I go alone. There was a safe side to it since I knew about the destination and all the roads leading to it. The unsafe part was the weather. It was the month of July and a heavy rainfall was happening everywhere leading to the possibility of land slides in hilly areas. But then I thought well that can be taken up as another challenge. I have to go and experiment with this one. An inner voice literally pushed me from outside. So at around 11 pm on Friday I was surfing through this site called ' Trivago' and somehow booked my hotel in Mussoorie for one night. It cost me around 2000 Indian rupees and I was pretty satisfied by the photographs of the room and the hotel. The name of the hotel was - hotel Basera at mall road near Gandhi chowk. For a minute after booking the hotel I could not believe that I did the booking. It was so unusual for a person like me to do such a thing. It was very random and quick. But this act pushed me to pack my bags and set my alarm of 6 am next morning. I informed my senior about my to be adventurous trip and told her if you still find me sleeping in my room the next morning then you can assume that I didn't left at all .But the opposite happened; I got up around 5 am and left my hostel around 6 am.On arriving at the bus stand which is quite near to my college gate I completely forgot about the Kanwar season. This a brief reminder to everyone that there is a Kanwar yatra that happens in the monsoon season near Haridwar which is an annual pilgrimage of devotees of lord Shiva in which these people fetch holy water of river Ganga and travel to their native places on foot in order to offer the holy water to the local Shiva temples. Currently, this religious yatra has become quite unsafe for other pedestrians and travelers because of many reasons that I cannot discuss here. So, I saw everywhere these Kanwar people looking suspiciously at me and I was really worried about how will I get on the bus to Dehradun alone. But I gathered courage and went on with my general inquiry for the bus. See here I would like to say if the God's wish matches with your wish then no matter what you will complete the task and your wish will be fulfilled. These lines are put here because the moment I stepped near the inquiry counter I found my two juniors waiting for the same bus. Oh! what a relief I got after seeing them. The journey to Dehradun in a bus that costed me around 81 Indian rupees went really good. We chatted a lot throughout the journey and I found out that these people were going to a place called Chamba on bikes which they were going to hire from Dehradun.On arriving at Dehradun ISBT, I took a blue colored sharing tempo which is called ' Vikram' in this area to Mussoorie bus stand. The ride cost me 10 rupees. I reached the Mussoorie bus stand and took my ticket to Mussoorie of about 56 rupees. The beautiful bus journey to Mussoorie made my small attempt fruitful. The moment I saw the mountains my heart jumped with excitement.' It is always the same with mountains. Once you have lived with them for any length of time, you belong to them. There is no escape'- Ruskin BondThese beautiful lines came to my mind on the journey. I was getting a bit sleepy and dizziness was what I was experiencing probably due to the hills and no breakfast in the morning. A huge mistake. I learned this lesson that whenever one is leaving for a journey morning breakfast is a must. Because this thought dawned upon me that who will take care of me if I fall ill here. I don't have any companion. But thankfully on arriving at the hill station all the dizziness and sleep just faded. It was raining at moderate scale and I had a task in front of me to search for my hotel Basera. Upon inquiry, I found out the directional signage and followed the trail. Honestly in the middle, I felt as if whether I have committed another mistake of booking a shady hotel or not. The thought that sometimes what is shown on the net is not what is, in reality, came inside my tiny brain. I prepared a mental countermeasure to it that is to leave Mussoorie by afternoon. But surprisingly the hotel was very good and safe beyond my expectation. It was an off-season for tourists but still there was a lot of crowd in the hill station and also in the hotel that I booked. I found my room very cosy , neat, clean and safe.

5. Mussoorie -If you are looking for a weekend reprieve, Mussoorie should be at the top of your list. Widely known as the ‘Queen of Hills’ – this paradise on Earth is everything you can hope to look for. The natural beauty attracts tourists from across the country. Situated at around 7000ft, Mussoorie will give you breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks as well as the stunning Doon valley. It definitely is one of the best weekend getaways from Delhi.

20. The comfortable beauty of MussoorieNestled in the bosom of the Garhwal ranges is the beautiful Mussoorie, considered to be one of the top hill stations in India. Around 30 kilometres away from Dehradun, Mussoorie is referred to as the Queen of the Hills. The awesome view of the Himalayan Range that one gets to see from here is to die for thus propelling it as one of the top hill stations in India.

Mussoorie’s ghat is one of the most challenging ghats, I have driven. it's around 25 kilometers long ghat but its fun to drive. The challenge with this ghat is, though you are a good driver but people over here are nasty; they will not Honk on blind turns, they will overtake you on the risky roads and to top it all they will abuse you for driving slow. I was like what the hell :-|If you want a more challenging road then one must take the route via HaathiPaao. This seemed to be a newly built road, without any traffic, without any barricades, without any signboards, absolutely nothing except sharp and risky turns. Pooja and Bandi turned off the music, were mum and just hoping to move out as soon as possible. The beauty of this road was epic; mountain peaks covered with clouds, roads foggy, and mist in the air. I thoroughly enjoyed the ride.

Mussoorie9. Café By the WayCafe By The Way is one of those places where the ambience just can't go wrong, anytime any day. The place serves the best coffee in town and the innovative decor of the place will put you in a good mood right away.

MussoorieNext day early morning was target was exploring the Famous Hill station Mussoorie, due to time constraint, travelled to mussoorie with booked taxi car. Merely 38 Kms but the zig zag roads and the mountaneous view was worth watching. Mussoorie is at the elevation 2005 mtr.Chekouts & Significance:Kempty Falls : One can have a chilling experience and enjoy the Kempty Falls, chilled water flowing from the Foohills of himalaya Mountain, Though the place is highly commercialized with a boundary at the base of the water fall, we get to enjoy the chilled water freezing us still refreshing us. A ride through the Rope way or walk through the steps.One can have a bath & swim around, There is facility of changing clothes & get clothes on rent for Rs 10-20 /- . Company Garden : Its is a Place to have a watch on beautiful flowers planted and a walk through the garden and click some beautiful pictures.Can spend quiet time viewing the nature here. There is a wax museum to have a look on some wax statues there, true hard work.There are some eat out joints too. A small pond where you can paddle in a boat.Mall Road : A shopping destination at evening, you can gorge on some delicious local North dishes (Chole, Puri, Bhatura, Ras Malai... Yumm! it was) and travel through the Rope way, play some childhood games at uphill plateau, watch the scenic views, Parvati Temple.There is point wherein you can have a view through the telescope at the highest point of Mussorie- Lal Tibba, Old schools , Himalayan Foothills, Gadhwal Village, Nepali Kings Palace.These are the places to explore in case mussoorie is more than 1 day trip.Mussoorie Lake : Its is place with food joints besides a lake at the centre, i must say all the food items were expensive here.. Adventure sports such as paragliding, Bubble water walk, Mountain Biking etc are available, Can Try Paragliding after necessary bargaining as the time given to us for the glide lasts only for 30-40 sec. Dhanaulti is a hill station 24 kms from Mussoorie, altitude of 2280 Mtr and has quiet environment amidst in natures lap. People enjoy over night camping here. Eco park, sukanda devi temple are places to visit.Breathtaking view of our own Himalaya, Gadhwal himalaya is possible from here. To visit the snow cladded himalayan ranges is dream of many of us.. Mine is too on cards may be soon.

Dehradun is easily one of the most popular hill stations in India. Though easily accessible by all modes of transportation, taking the road would be the best way to experience this heaven. The drive will take you through dense forests on the hilly road and if you're lucky, you might even see a wild elephant or leopard pass you by. The fresh and dewy hill air will infiltrate your lungs and put you in a great mood right away.
In terms of things to see, there is Robber's Cave, a river cave formation and Sahashtradhara, which is also a stunning sight of nature consisting of sulphur springs. But more than its sights, Dehradun is the perfect place for a family getaway. After all it has everything that you could need for a relaxing holiday. The town has many vintage bookshops (Natraj Publishers, The English Book Depot), college campuses with hilly backdrops, architectural marvels (such as the Forest Research Institute), alleys filled with quaint restaurants, adventure sports gear shops and forest resorts and hotels to fit every budget. Vishranti, a resort tucked away discreetly in the Sal forests of the Doon valley, deserves a special mention for its beauty and luxury. The city is a haven for foodies as Dehradun offers a lot of variety and affordability in its cuisine. Restaurants and cafes such as Doon Darbar, renowned for devour-worthy Mughlai dishes and The Buffet for its mouthwatering burgers, cutlets and coffee, are popular options. Read More

Dehradun is easily one of the most popular hill stations in India. Though easily accessible by all modes of transportation, taking the road would be the best way to experience this heaven. The drive will take you through dense forests on the hilly road and if you're lucky, you might even see a wild elephant or leopard pass you by. The fresh and dewy hill air will infiltrate your lungs and put you in a great mood right away.
In terms of things to see, there is Robber's Cave, a river cave formation and Sahashtradhara, which is also a stunning sight of nature consisting of sulphur springs. But more than its sights, Dehradun is the perfect place for a family getaway. After all it has everything that you could need for a relaxing holiday. The town has many vintage bookshops (Natraj Publishers, The English Book Depot), college campuses with hilly backdrops, architectural marvels (such as the Forest Research Institute), alleys filled with quaint restaurants, adventure sports gear shops and forest resorts and hotels to fit every budget. Vishranti, a resort tucked away discreetly in the Sal forests of the Doon valley, deserves a special mention for its beauty and luxury. The city is a haven for foodies as Dehradun offers a lot of variety and affordability in its cuisine. Restaurants and cafes such as Doon Darbar, renowned for devour-worthy Mughlai dishes and The Buffet for its mouthwatering burgers, cutlets and coffee, are popular options.

This city has been a refuge for spiritual seekers long before The Beatles christened it with their visit in the 60's. Widely known as the pilgrimage town and also the 'yoga capital of the world', Rishikesh is home to myriad temples, yoga and meditation centres and a plethora of adventure activities.
With an interesting backdrop of the rapid flowing Ganges river and iron-made suspension bridges (Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula), the city has also been a popular hub for travellers and backpackers alike. When it comes to food and drinks, Rishikesh remains a strict teetotaller and a vegetarian, even though you might find with great exploratory skills, a few restaurants not adhering to the prohibition. Some great restaurants and cafes include Little Buddha Cafe where you can enjoy your meals in a treehouse-style ambience.
Rishikesh provides a spectacular treat to the eyes and music to the ears during sunrise and sunset, as sadhus (priests), pilgrims and tourists all around, prepare for the routine 'Ganga Aarti' with temple bells resonating all around and innumerable diyas or small clay pot lit lamps dancing over the river Ganga to that reverberating music, as religious offerings.
Rishikesh warmly welcomes thrill seekers, who can try out a number of activities such as white water rafting, bungee jumping, kayaking, zip lining, mountain biking and rappelling. The city also annually hosts the International Yoga Festival where yoga gurus, aficionados and devotees from around the globe throng the place (popularly the Parmarth Niketan Ashram) and give various lessons and lectures on yoga, meditation and spirituality. Read More

This city has been a refuge for spiritual seekers long before The Beatles christened it with their visit in the 60's. Widely known as the pilgrimage town and also the 'yoga capital of the world', Rishikesh is home to myriad temples, yoga and meditation centres and a plethora of adventure activities.
With an interesting backdrop of the rapid flowing Ganges river and iron-made suspension bridges (Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula), the city has also been a popular hub for travellers and backpackers alike. When it comes to food and drinks, Rishikesh remains a strict teetotaller and a vegetarian, even though you might find with great exploratory skills, a few restaurants not adhering to the prohibition. Some great restaurants and cafes include Little Buddha Cafe where you can enjoy your meals in a treehouse-style ambience.
Rishikesh provides a spectacular treat to the eyes and music to the ears during sunrise and sunset, as sadhus (priests), pilgrims and tourists all around, prepare for the routine 'Ganga Aarti' with temple bells resonating all around and innumerable diyas or small clay pot lit lamps dancing over the river Ganga to that reverberating music, as religious offerings.
Rishikesh warmly welcomes thrill seekers, who can try out a number of activities such as white water rafting, bungee jumping, kayaking, zip lining, mountain biking and rappelling. The city also annually hosts the International Yoga Festival where yoga gurus, aficionados and devotees from around the globe throng the place (popularly the Parmarth Niketan Ashram) and give various lessons and lectures on yoga, meditation and spirituality.

Why Rishikesh?There are various no of reasons why Rishikesh is the best location for white water rafting amongst all the other places.1. Unlike other places Rishikesh is near to the heart of the country I.e. Delhi which makes it easily approachable in a day. It is one of the best weekend escape… Hence if someone wants to wash his evils by holy dip in Ganges then it's better to go for rafting then Haridwar ????????2. It is connected via road and train. Hence one can catch a bus or train and if someone is a road trip enthusiast then riding down is the best option to make your adventure more thrilling… the soothing highway, the small roads and the curvy mountains, this road trip has it all in a limited distance. It makes us enjoy the ride without exhausting ourselfs before the start of our adventure…3. Rishikesh offers a lot more than just rafting. Here one can have asia’s highest and India’s only bungy jump, flying fox and other adventure activities along with numerous camping location which are the best for refreshing from the exhausted mind, full of week’s work.4. This trip can be planned in any time of the year except June to September.5. The whole package in Rishikesh is economical as compare to the various other locations…. Hence anyone can plan for it but someone said once the best trips are the one without planning… hence Rishikesh is one such place you don't need to plan much and check your pocket every now and then.The DriveThe drive to Rishikesh is 6 hrs of journey from Delhi… it's a wonderful mega highway till Roorkee where your bike will be flying cross 100 and you can enjoy the smooth road… then comes a bit rough patch while crossing Roorkee and ahead is again a clean highway till Haridwar. From Haridwar one will taste the beginning of Himalayan mountains and its curvy roads seducing you.The CampingRishikesh city provides packages for everyone, like whether if you want to do camping and rafting combo or single part alone. One can take a camping package to spend the night. Some enthusiast also pitch their own tents and make their own bonfire... but the point is, one must spend a night near river bed, tent at one side, bonfire to other with music in background, some beer in hand and most importantly your best bud along with you to cherish this moment with you(thanks to my coursemate for being part of this). In the morning, the camps also provide lots of sports activities like volleyball, trekking and various other things. after having a decent breakfast one can move on to the task of the day. These camping sites provide all three meals of the day. The Garhwali cooks best known for their spicy food will provide the homely meals which is being enjoyed by all.Note: Rishikesh is a dry town. Hence it's better to carry liquor from starting or one have to drive down till Shivpuri or raiwala to get liquor.

RISHIKESH - UttrakhandI have been to Rishikesh many times. Rishikesh is actually a perfect weekend gateway. It has everything which a traveler is looking for. The best memory is of Bunjee Jumping at Jumpin Heights.Death Defying experience | Bungee Jumping | Extreme Adventure | Camping – RishikeshRest some captures, which are very close to my heart.

The time we were in Rishikesh was off season for the much looked upon tourist place. We Indians mostly don't travel to north during winters, but it was the wanderlust that took me to the place much vacant during that time of year. You would mostly find aborigines, hippies, saints and all kind of different people there looking for peace.Reaching Rishikesh bus stand, we gave a call to one of our contact and he told us to come further to Tapovan. Tapovan is a small town 8kms from Rishikesh. The auto dropped us at Laxman Jhula. i I didn't wanted to stay in hotel or something, I came here to be in the wilderness, so I chose to live in it and experience it. We told him that we want to stay in Riverside camp, but he insisted to stay in hotel as these camps are normally unpopulated at this point of time. Anyways we booked a camp.During the season time it would have costed us 3500/person or even more, but we managed to book the camp for 1700/person which included night stay at riverside camp, bon fire, rafting, snacks, dinner and breakfast. We headed towards the camp then.It was at shivpuri, further 12km from Tapovan, we were told to book a cab from there which would have costed us like 500bucks but the camp manager was kind enough to allow us in the Jeep that was on the way to camp for running errands.

Rishikesh Rafting
This one’s for all the adrenaline lovers out there! Brave the fierce, frothing rapids of the mighty Ganges with nothing but a tiny raft, a crew of screeching friends and a smirking instructor on your side. Once you emerge from the freezing waters, craving for more, try your hand at the wide range of adventure sports, such as flying fox, kayaking, valley crossing, and the wildest of them all—cliff jumping! Huddle around the roaring campfire at night, gazing at the constellations above and you’ll realize just how beautiful life and friendship are.

Rishikesh has a plethora of things to do and see, for all kinds of travellers. If you are looking for some peace and quiet, head out to yoga and meditation ashrams that are picturesquely located on the banks of Ganga. If you are a sporty person, then rafting in the river is something you should definitely try. Everything said and done, Rishikesh is without a doubt an exciting destination to visit in India.How to reach Rishikesh:Rishikesh is well connected by road and rail. The best option is to take a bus straight to Rishikesh, or drive down there yourself.

One destination's stories I lend my ears to, every summers, is Rishikesh. The aura of the place is such that attracts youngsters to it every year. So being the hotspot, this time I decided to make it a part of my travel plan. And after experiencing the liveliness of the place, I was compelled to scribble my thoughts and experience of the trip.Day 1Our road trip started 22nd April 2016 early morning. Chit chatting, munching and galloping, taking naps and caught by the attention of adventure, we reached Rishikesh by mid-day.Located downhill (Havel River Cottage and Rafting Camps), with a perfect river side ambience, our cottage offered impressive naïve countryside feel.

Rishikesh is 20 Km from Haridwar and we were in mood to enjoy the ride as the road passes from the forest area having some great views. It took 45 minutes to reach Rishikesh. Our first stop in Rishikesh is near by the Ram jhula. This is the point where rafting ends. We were sitting on the ghats and enjoying the scene by putting our feet in the chilled water. We saw the groups of people enjoying the rafting there and after watching them we decided to go for rafting. I called up one of my friend who is the owner of a rafting and camping company. He managed 9 KM rafting for us which starts from Brahmpuri and ends on Ram jhula.

If you live in Rishikesh, Haridwar or Dehradun, I am sure you are always looking for quick trip for weekends. Even if you are not in these cities but you visit Rishikesh quite often from Delhi or Haryana, you want to do more than regular attractions like Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula. There are lot of quick trips around Rishikesh but most of these are getting popular with time and crowded (thanks for ever growing tourism industry).During our recent trip to hometown Rishikesh, we recently did a quick trip to VindhyaWasini Temple which is situated in Rajaji Tiger Reserve (also know as Rajaji National Park). It's very close to Rishikesh, around 23 km. The road passes through Cheela Dam Road and after a point it's not great motorable road. The trip involved adventure of rough terrain, passing through several water stream and spectacular view from top. You can complete the whole trip in 4 to 5 hours and lifetime of memories. Here are few tips and pictures of Trip.1. After a point, road is very rough, so don't take low clearing cars.

“Don't give yourself time to hesitate or contemplate because once the fear sets in your legs won’t let you leap”. I barely paid heed to what the handsome New Zealander was whispering into my ears.Words of motivation, words of philosophy, nothing works when you are looking down 83 meters. 83 meters into a rocky valley with a stream trickling by. You either jump or regret your fear ,all your life.“Look at that yellow spot in front of you and then leap towards success”. How can I look anywhere else but below? I can hear the stream gushing, I can see the deep valley, I can see a spec of spectators waiting for me to leap. My eyes kept darting down and my brain pleaded me to back down, but my heart mumbled a feeble’ let go’. I guess the feeble voice from my heart overpowered the loud shouts in my head, and I let go.“3 2 1, Now”. Without any second thoughts or slightest of hesitations, my legs impulsively took off and I recklessly plummeted down; upside down. I could barely catch my breath or keep my eyes open, but I was smiling. I jerked back up and bounced back down again, around 3 to 4 times, and all I could hear was my scream of freedom echoing , and my heart snickering to my head an “ I told you so”.Trees stemming from branches and leaves ; not roots, standing on cotton candy clouds ; not on rocky grounds, the stream gushing by above your head ; not below you and people standing upside down; a rather funny sight. Familiar faces are hard to recognize when you’re hanging upside down.The minute your hands feel comfortable clinging onto something, the “madcap” quotient of any adventure sport depreciates. While bungee jumping, you have nothing to hold on to, nothing to grab onto but yourself. To top it all, you’re hanging upside down. It may not be pleasant in the beginning, but its reinvigorating.“Don’t let this smile leave your face”, I realized I hadn’t stopped smiling ever since I took that plunge. My hands were freely suspended in the air and the wind was exuberantly kissing my face and somewhere between all that I knew I had conquered acrophobia. Somewhat.That night while sleeping, my heart kept lunging and my stomach kept cramping every time i thought about that moment when my feet glided off the bridge. What was I thinking when I dived ? Anything could have happened! The rope could have snapped, I could have snapped a bone with all that jerking and bouncing. ANYTHING. Thankfully it didn't happen, but what in the world made me take off like that without a second thought?I guess I'll keep pushing myself till I find the answer to that. Bloukrans bridge, you’re next. Sky diving, you’re in line.DetailsWhere: Jumping heights, Rishikesh. It is the highest bungee spot in India with a fall of 83 meters.Why: You have only a lifetime to push beyond your comfort zone. If not now, then when ?How much : Rs.3500 for the jump, Rs.100 as the entry ticket. Its worth it!Tips :Wear shoes . They feel more comfortable with all that gear wrapped around your legs.Clothes tend to adhere to gravity and fall back revealing your beautiful body. As much as the people below enjoy the view, wear tight clothes or tuck in your shirts.DO NOT HESITATE, no matter what. Leap and let go !PS. Sorry for the low resolution pictures taken off the internet .I had to lock up my camera before entering the site. No picture or video can remotely capture the thrill of this experience, hence no complaints!.

Best time to visit - March,April,May,August,September,October,November

A small cantonment town in the scenic Kumaon Valley, a visit here will not leave any history buff disappointed. Its renowned and ancient Katermal Sun Temple and Jageshwar Temples, including the Archaeological Museum, offer an insight into its quaint scriptures.
Spots such as Zero Point here are perfect for enjoying a splendid view of the Himalayas. Catering to every adventure seeker's interests, many resorts and travel companies also organise treks to Pindari and Milam glaciers and also mountain-bike trips around the hills of Almora.
Another attraction here is the Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum, dedicated to military mementos weapons, especially the decorated Indian Infantry regiment, Kumaon Regiment.
One can also visit Lal Bazaar, adorned with sophisticatedly-carved traditional wooden shops from where one can shop for a variety of things. Places such as Kasar Rainbow Cafe, Baba Cake, Glory Restaurant and Bansal Cafe are known non-vegetarian, vegetarian and bistro dishes. Don't forget to try the various kinds of milk sweets here – bal mithai, choklate (not chocolate) with a fudge-like consistency and singauri, a sweet wrapped in a green Malu leaf.Read More

A small cantonment town in the scenic Kumaon Valley, a visit here will not leave any history buff disappointed. Its renowned and ancient Katermal Sun Temple and Jageshwar Temples, including the Archaeological Museum, offer an insight into its quaint scriptures.
Spots such as Zero Point here are perfect for enjoying a splendid view of the Himalayas. Catering to every adventure seeker's interests, many resorts and travel companies also organise treks to Pindari and Milam glaciers and also mountain-bike trips around the hills of Almora.
Another attraction here is the Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum, dedicated to military mementos weapons, especially the decorated Indian Infantry regiment, Kumaon Regiment.
One can also visit Lal Bazaar, adorned with sophisticatedly-carved traditional wooden shops from where one can shop for a variety of things. Places such as Kasar Rainbow Cafe, Baba Cake, Glory Restaurant and Bansal Cafe are known non-vegetarian, vegetarian and bistro dishes. Don't forget to try the various kinds of milk sweets here – bal mithai, choklate (not chocolate) with a fudge-like consistency and singauri, a sweet wrapped in a green Malu leaf.

11. Almora -Situated in the beautiful state of Uttarakhand and nestled between the vast Himalayan range, the horse-shaped hill station is perfect for a weekend of bliss. It is a sightseeing paradise which will appeal to you. The area from Almora to Mukteshwar as well as Kausani are best viewed during sunrise and sunset. You and your wife can take an evening stroll through the market to feel the buzz of the place. You will surely enjoy the time spent with your wife.

The drive from Nainital to Almora was super awesome with the river flowing on one of the side of the road. Less traffic and good roads led us to come out of our moving car and sit on edge of windows and enjoy the soothing breeze. Risky, yes but the drive and beauty of the place made it irresistible! We had our food at Hotel Shikhar in Almora. Food was good and then we started our drive to Ranikhet.

This is a lovely old town which has been the capital of Kumaon during the British Rule. Old buildings, Churches, narrow market lanes, up and down hill roads- all at one place. Do not forget to try Chat, Tikki and Cold Coffee at Almora. Drive down hill to take a bath in serene KOSI River; still and untouched. Almora is one of the best places still untouched by tourists and with sunrise and sunset views you can not forget. The evening walk to the BrightEnd Chowraha is one of the best walks you can have in a hill. For people who love calmness, away from touristy places; do visit it; you won't forget to cherish the trip and the Hills - specially the Trishul View during sunset.

ohhh... I was counting the curves....and at one point I lost the count...it was never ending........... If you are rider, you better don't miss the ride from Nainital to Almora. Beautiful stretch will amazing scenic beauty of the hills. An ancient small hill top town with with mesmerising energy and beautiful people.....

The Almora town is located at a distance of 63 kilometres from Nainital and 380 kilometer from Delhi. It is the headquarter of Almora district. Almora district is located in the beautiful Kumaun region of Uttarakhand state in India. For its easy accessibility, Almora promises the tourists a pleasant visit. Almora is known a 'town of temples'. At the centre of the town, is the temple of Goddess Nanda Devi. Almora, unlike Shimla, Nainital and Ranikhet, which were developed by the English, is a hill station totally developed by the Indians. Almora has many fruit orchards like peaches, apricots, apples, plums, etc. It is situated at an elevation of 1638 meters high above the sea level and is spread across a 5 kilometers ridge atop the Kashaya Hill. Almora district is surrounded by Pithoragarh to the east, Garhwal region top the west, Bageshwar to the north and Nainital to the south. It is situated on a horse –shoe shaped ridge of a mountain, of which the eastern portion is called the Talifat and the western one is known as Selifat. This place is famous for its magnificent beauty, panoramic view of the Himalayas along with lovely pine and deodar trees rich cultural heritage, unique handicrafts and delicious cuisine. This place was developed by the Chand Rajas and it was maintained and further developed by the British. The renowned Swami Vivekananda also meditated in this region. The picturesque landscape of Almora attracts hundreds of peoples as it is one of the business hubs Kumaon region. Almora is known for various famous local markets like Lala Bazar, Malli Bazar Karkhana bazaar and Thana Bazar etc. where ethnic style products are available. It is the commercial town of Uttarakhand. We stayed in a hotel for a rest for a small time. The sunset scene is most attractive in Almora. We have experienced a nice moment enjoying the sun set from the hotel terrace. The deer park is another important attraction in Almora. One can witness a wide range of deers. The journey to Almora is little bit tough as one had to move up & down in the valley of the hills. There is hardly any locality along with roadside or any establishment. Only a good number of temples were seen on the way to Almora. We felt very bad as we had to leave Almora spending a short time. We had not planned it earlier. In fact, we planned it after visiting Ranikhet, as it is at a short distance. One should plan to visit for one full day to enjoy the sunrise & sunset.
Then after getting back from Almora in the late evening, we got tired and reaching our hotel, we got fresh and then in the evening, we all again went to Nainital market to for shopping and roaming around the markets. It is usually remains busy for the entire evening and vehicles movement are totally restricted. The market is open usually up-to 9.00 p.m. in the evening Tourists usually roam around the lake or take rest sitting on benches.
On next day, my parents said that today we will go for local sight seeing like cave parks, zoo, the famous Mall road, where the two famous films ‘Koi Mil Gaya’ and ‘Vivah’ were shot; church, etc.

Buses ply to Almora from Kathgodam at fairly regular intervals and it takes just a couple of hours of driving through low but beautiful hills to get here. You also get a glimpse of Bhimtal en-route. Almora is quite big, and it’s a hill-station that wasn't developed by the British but by Kumaon Kings. This Kumaoni legacy is still apparent in the crowded bazaars, a good place to stroll through. Almora though crowded, still retains its natural beauty with some really good views of the mountains, especially at Bright End Corner, from where if you see the sun set, the hills and Almora seem bathed in Sepia.

Best time to visit - January,February,March,April,October,November,December

An ancient holy town and the starting point for pilgrimages to the Kedarnath Temple and the Badrinath Temple, Haridwar is the first recipient of the mighty rapid and revered Ganges, originating from the Gangotri Glacier. Its vast mythological background, beautiful temples (Shanti Kunj Gayatri Parivar), spectacular festival celebrations and the world famous Kumbh Mela (hosted every 12 years) make it a popular destination to be visited from around the world.
Haridwar comes alive during sunset, when the evening aarti (ritual of worship) starts at Har Ki Pauri, a ghat (steps leading to a river) and the main attraction of the town where both the Ganga banks are lit up with floating claypot candles and chants of devotees and priests resonate musically throughout the town.
The religious city serves no alcohol anywhere and restaurants are strictly vegetarian too, some well known ones being, Big Ben Restaurant, Chotiwala and the Haveli Hari Ganga Restaurant. Read More

An ancient holy town and the starting point for pilgrimages to the Kedarnath Temple and the Badrinath Temple, Haridwar is the first recipient of the mighty rapid and revered Ganges, originating from the Gangotri Glacier. Its vast mythological background, beautiful temples (Shanti Kunj Gayatri Parivar), spectacular festival celebrations and the world famous Kumbh Mela (hosted every 12 years) make it a popular destination to be visited from around the world.
Haridwar comes alive during sunset, when the evening aarti (ritual of worship) starts at Har Ki Pauri, a ghat (steps leading to a river) and the main attraction of the town where both the Ganga banks are lit up with floating claypot candles and chants of devotees and priests resonate musically throughout the town.
The religious city serves no alcohol anywhere and restaurants are strictly vegetarian too, some well known ones being, Big Ben Restaurant, Chotiwala and the Haveli Hari Ganga Restaurant.

HARIDWAR - UttrakhandI have already written a blog on Tripoto itself, about my memories at this place. (Night Life at Haridwar- Uttrakhand | Are you brave enough to do it)

Day - 8: Haridwar to Bangalore via Jolly Grant & DelhiI awoke to my first alarm in days. We checked out and took a cab to Jolly Grant airport. The ride to the airport was almost as short as the flight to Delhi. In a matter of hours, I found myself smack dab in the middle of modern civilization. The mountains, a distant memory. Distant only, because I’d left them so far behind. The day wore on in the company of friends and beer, culminating with a late flight home.

The journey was long and it grew hotter as we descended. The A/C was doing its job worse than the solitary fan that served the driver. We stopped for lunch at a deserted resort where we put away some solid food. We reached Haridwar around half-past-seven and bid adieu to the others. I checked into a hotel with Amruta who was also flying to Delhi. True to its name, Hotel Midtown was right in the centre of the city, an overcrowded bustling street littered with shops of all sizes. Chaotic yet harmonious in a way only India can be. September sees the nation-wide celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi and the fervor was ten-fold here. As expected, we were bombarded by the sound of Ganesh processions well into the night. Being a light sleeper, it was a miracle that I got any at all. Perhaps I was too exhausted to care. Or perhaps it was the ridiculously heavy dinner that filled a gaping hole.

Day - 2: Haridwar to Govindghat The bus reached Haridwar at around 3AM and I checked into Hotel Chitra Grand, a couple of hundred metres from the city centre. Turns out, there were a few more people from my group staying there too. After a quick shower and a nap, we walked to the railway station where our pickup waited. A group of 15, we’d come together from across the country (One even from the Middle East) and we stood outside the railway station, together for the first time. We were to pick up our trek leader Kamal from Rishikesh. We later learned that he once held the record for the fastest basecamp to summit ascent for Mt. Everest. His modesty was even stronger than his resolve.Pro-tip: Skip the rickshaws and walk. Most of the hotels are very close by.Stashing our bags in the back of the TT, we began the arduous, 10-hour journey to Govindghat. The awkwardness of not knowing each other seemed to fade away with the fresh mountain air filling the cabin. We came from different walks of life, but all agreed on one thing; the need for a hearty breakfast.Driving for about 3 hours past a hundred restaurants with wafting aromas of freshly made paranthas, we stopped at one with a riverside view. Those who live for coffee will need to reevaluate their life’s purpose. The beige milky mess served here is nowhere close to Namma Pilter Kaapi. So it was Cappuci-NO-Thank-You for me. The paranthas hit like the Japs hit Pearl Harbor with no survivors. Wasn’t long before we were all counting imaginary sheep over fences as we drove onward. The air started to thin as we gained altitude and green hills gave way to vast gorges and imposing mountains with the Alaknanda always ambling along beside us. We stopped at the cramped town of Pipalkoti for a late lunch before we began the final leg of our journey, through the twists and turns of precariously carved rocks.

It was an impulsive decision and i knew it was going to be one of those good decisions when u don't think and just do...so was this trek. I had done Kedarkantha before so this one was one of easier trek, at least i thought so before booking it on 12 just to leave on 15th and an incredible journey started from Gujarat to Uttarakhand... journey started from Ahmedabad to Delhi by flight and Delhi to hardware via train and we reach Haridwar 7.30 am and vehicle was arranged to take us to Sari a small village from where we were going to start trekking from next day...On the way from Haridwar to Sari we saw Devprayag where there is a confluence of river Alaknanda and Bhagirathi to from River Ganga and you can see two shades of greens merge itself to from a mosaic pattern and then dissolve completely into one another and make one uniform shade.

The road from Delhi to Hardwar is almost good in condition, only a piece of 20-30KMs on which construction is under progress which is painful. We entered Haridwar at around 10:30 AM and reached Har ki Pauri at 11:00 AM.

You do not need a therapist if you own a motorcycle, any kind of motorcycle!It was my childhood dream to roam in the twisted roads of mountains withmy bike, to stop the bike on random turns and take snaps, to floatlike a fish in Ganges, to sit on the Ganges beach for hours, to drawrandom pictures on sand and enjoy the evening at the beaches of the holyriver "Ganges'"But I don't know how I can ??"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do." – Mark TwainSo I decided, I have to come out of my comfort zone and go for a roadtrip...Now the most important question is, who is my partner in this road trip. I have tried so many friends of mine, but every one is busy in their ownroutine. Finally I have a thought - "Road Trip with my cousin"And finally I got my partner in crimes, one of my Uncle's Son, whichbelongs to my age group, and ready to go with me.We are ready with a bike having full tank and 2 helmets and some other required stuffs that are essentials during our trip. We finalized the day of Saturday (05-Nov-2016) to start our trip at around 6:00 AM from my current city i.e. Noida. I left with a bag and a pair of helmet at 6:15 AM, 15 mins delay from the planned time. The next destination is Vasundahra, Gajiabad where my riding partner is waiting for me.We left the city at 6:30 AM and riding on highway from Mohan Nagar towards Meerut. In the first hour we covered the distance upto Meerut and took a halt for a tea break. After tea break we again started towards our destination.

And the trip starts - we started our journey from ISBT Kashmiri gate and the date is 24-Dec-2015, we got a bus up-to Haridwar at 23:00 hours and its an AC bus that have heaters to get a warm feeling during the winters and its just a blessing for us :)Buses take 5 to 7 hours up-to Haridwar from Delhi. We reached Haridwar at 06:00 hours as there was a very long traffic jam on the way and we have to halt there for more then 1 hour. It's a day of winter - We reached Haridwar at around 06:00 AM and its freezing temp there. And to remain alive we ordered Tea and Papdi from a tea stall run by a local person in front of Bus stand. After hat we were standing in a shop to purchase some warm cloths that helps us in defending our self from the winter. Har ki Pauri - Har ki Pauri is the main ghat in Haridwar. Ganga Aarti is performed on morning as well as on evening, and if you missed it than you miss the entire glamour of this place.We roam around the Har ki pauri ghat and enjoying the vibes. The winter is on the full charm so we are having cap on our head and gloves in hand. There are so many peoples who are taking bath in the holy water and performing some rituals there. We spend around an hour there and than we are moving towards the Mansa Devi temple.Mansa Devi - Mansa Devi is one of the most popular and most visited temples of Haridwar, Uttaranchal. The temple is dedicated to Mansa Devi, a form of Shakti (Power). Located at the top of Bilwa Parvat (Hill), Mansa Devi Temple can be reached by taking local buses, rickshaws or by hiring from Haridwar. In order to reach the hill-top, one can either go for trekking or for cable-car.Mansa Devi Temple is an ancient temple that attracts people from both far and near due to its significance. It is believed that the Goddess fulfills all the wishes of a sincere devotee. Actually, the term 'Mansa' is the altered form of word 'Mansha', which means 'wish'. On the top of the hill, there are many shops where coconuts, fruits, marigold garlands and incense sticks are available. These things are offered to the Goddess.There are 3 different modes available to reach the temple:1. Roapway: Its timing are 08:00 to 17:00 hours2. Stairs3. RoadWe choose the 2nd option. There are 800+ stairs up to the temple and it will take a lot of energy to get there from stairs. The cold breezes makes some difficulty to complete the journey, but we still take the challenge and complete the way in half an hour. There are so many shops on the way of temple on stairs that provide Prasadi and one can keep there shoes. The temple is located on too much height, and the entire scene is so much beautiful. We completed our Pooja and than sit there for half an hour there. The temple committee distributing Halwa Prasad, the best prasadi I ever had :)Apart from religious importance Haridwar is also a centre for learning different arts and culture. Haridwar is well known as great source of Ayurvedic medicines and herbal remedies. Haridwar is now home to unique Indian tradition of teaching &quot;Gurukula.&quot; Gurukula Kangri Vishwavidyalay is providing unique teaching in Gurukul system since 1902.Haridwar is always place of interest for the researchers because it is one of the oldest living cities in India. Haridwar has numerous temples with interesting legacies. Maa Ganga after carrying the purity of heaven from the kamandal of Lord Brahma, washing the feet of Lord Vishnu and flowing through the sahastrara of Lord Shiva came on this earth and made Haridwar as it's divine flow area. From time immemorial, Maa Ganga has been doing the duty of absorbing the heat and negativities of this earth. Besides and , It is Gateway for the four dhams of Himalayas viz. Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath.And the journey ends here...Fir milege kahi kisi roj ghumte firte :)

To unwind from a long, exhausting week, I planned my weekend to Haridwar & Rishikesh in the Summers of 2016. I planned for white water river rafting hoping that it will beat my Monday blues at least for a month. With much excitement, I reached Haridwar on a Friday, did some sight seeing and went to bed thinking about rafting the next day. On Saturday, with full energy & enthusiasm, I booked an OLA from Haridwar & reached Rishikesh in 60 mins. At a temperature of 40 degree celsius, I somehow felt cool thinking about the rafting.The point from where you decide to raft determines your coolness quotient. Normal people raft in Rishikesh itself. Cool people begin their rafting from Shivpuri (at a higher altitude). The heat must have done something to my mind since I felt uber cool that day &booked my rafting expedition from Marine Drive which is even higher than Shivpuri.

First we thought of going to Haridwar, We left for Haridwar around 10am from ambala and reached there by noon , around 2 pm.We checked into the hotel,which is already booked. We relaxed for some hour.In the evening , around 6pm we went for seeing Ganga Aarti(Pooja's performed along the banks of river Ganges). We offered pooja at the ghat and took a holy dip at the holy Ganges river. We worshipped at all the temples around the ghat.

Predominantly a religious place, Badrinath is perched atop 10,800 ft on the banks of the Alaknanda River, flanked by the mystifying Garhwal Himalayas. Lakhs of tourist visit this town every year to get a glimpse of the popular Shri Badrinathji Temple and seek blessings here. The pilgrimage road to the temple is open from May to September. It is vivid but treacherous, but the beautiful sights all around will keep you distracted. Just outside the Badrinath temple lies Tapt Kund, a hot sulphur spring, which is great for a revitalising dip after the testing pilgrimage to the temple. Vasundhara falls, reached through a serene 5 km from Mana Village is another stunning sight to feast your eyes on. This village in itself is a picturesque and tranquil destination situated just before the onset of Tibet, inhabited by the semi-Mongolian tribe of Bhotias.
The very famous Valley of Flowers National Park is located just another 7 kms from the temple. The park lies nestled amidst the ranges of Zanskar and the Himalayas and is home to the most exotic alpine flowers and animals such as the snow leopard, Asiatic black bear, brown bear, red fox, musk deer and blue sheep. Some 40 km away is the Kedarnath temple, another significant pilgrimage sight, which has a splendid location and intriguing architecture.
Being a holy town, restaurants here adhere strictly to vegetarian cuisines and do not serve any alcohol. The few hotels here provide decent options for stay.Read More

Predominantly a religious place, Badrinath is perched atop 10,800 ft on the banks of the Alaknanda River, flanked by the mystifying Garhwal Himalayas. Lakhs of tourist visit this town every year to get a glimpse of the popular Shri Badrinathji Temple and seek blessings here. The pilgrimage road to the temple is open from May to September. It is vivid but treacherous, but the beautiful sights all around will keep you distracted. Just outside the Badrinath temple lies Tapt Kund, a hot sulphur spring, which is great for a revitalising dip after the testing pilgrimage to the temple. Vasundhara falls, reached through a serene 5 km from Mana Village is another stunning sight to feast your eyes on. This village in itself is a picturesque and tranquil destination situated just before the onset of Tibet, inhabited by the semi-Mongolian tribe of Bhotias.
The very famous Valley of Flowers National Park is located just another 7 kms from the temple. The park lies nestled amidst the ranges of Zanskar and the Himalayas and is home to the most exotic alpine flowers and animals such as the snow leopard, Asiatic black bear, brown bear, red fox, musk deer and blue sheep. Some 40 km away is the Kedarnath temple, another significant pilgrimage sight, which has a splendid location and intriguing architecture.
Being a holy town, restaurants here adhere strictly to vegetarian cuisines and do not serve any alcohol. The few hotels here provide decent options for stay.

The usually crowded temple town of Badrinath lay deserted under the watchful gaze of towering Nilkantha. We drove through Badrinath as the landscape changed, yet again. Green pastures leading up to cloud covered peaks with the river running through the valley. Four kilometers from Badrinath lies the picturesque village of Mana, the last Indian settlement this side of the border. There are a few places of mythological value here such as the Vyas cave (Where sage Veda Vyas supposedly resided as he composed the Vedas) and Bheem Pul (a large boulder placed by Bheem to help Draupadi cross into heaven). Mana is famously marketed as the last place to have chai before the Tibet/China border. There’s a small café at the end of the town providing a bird’s eye view with tea and crisps to match. Having spent some time taking pictures and drinking excessively sweet chai, we made our way back to Govindghat just as the sun began to set behind Mt. Nilkantha.

Day 5: Ghaghariya- Pulna- Gobind Ghat to Badrinath we leave early in the morning from Ghaghariya it take 3 hours to decent and from Pulna we pick our bikes and reach Badrinath by afternoon, distance between Badrinath to Gobind Ghat is 25 KM. We stayed near to Badrinath Mandir, rooms are cheaply available and don’t forget to take bath in Tapth Kundh. From Gobind Ghat you can take sharing cabs also which will take 60 INR per seat.